Murder on Songbird Road revisits the stabbing death of an 11-year-old girl in Southern Illinois and the subsequent arrest and conviction of her father’s fiancée for the crime. In this series, veteran true-crime host Lauren Bright Pacheco teams up with criminal defense attorney Bob Motta to investigate whether the case—one that tore apart a rural community, sparking controversy, corruption, and ongoing questions—was truly solved, or if an innocent woman remains wrongfully convicted.

Episode List

11. Closing Arguments

Mar 6th, 2025 8:03 AM

The final episode, subject to future updates, of Murder on Songbird Road invites listeners and former interviewees to reflect on their thoughts and opinions regarding the case against Julia Bevely. Additionally, Bevely's legal team provides an update on the current status of her appeal process. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. CONTACTS: The Illinois Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) Office of the Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul Office of the Illinois Governor JB Pritzker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10. Suspect

Feb 27th, 2025 8:03 AM

Bob and Lauren return to Marion, knocking on doors once again. This time, however, they uncover crucial footage that reveals significant flaws in the investigation’s hasty rush to judgment. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9. Judgement

Feb 20th, 2025 3:21 PM

The infamous Huck’s footage exposes critical flaws in the prosecution’s theory, reinforced by a criminologist’s analysis of stabbing murders—setting the stage for Innocence activist Jason Flom to intervene and alter the course of Bevely’s legal battle. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8. The Evidence

Feb 13th, 2025 8:03 AM

The access to the interrogation video and the collection of Bevely’s DNA raise concerns about official protocol and the broader objectives of the investigation. Additionally, the prosecution’s influence on the case comes under scrutiny. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7. Close Calls

Feb 6th, 2025 8:03 AM

The State’s Attorney claimed Bevely’s account of encountering an armed assailant was proven false within days of the murder but a closer look into call records raises questions about other possible suspects. Wrongful Conviction Podcast Episodes: Julie Rae Michelle Murphy Melissa Lucio Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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